Taylor Mills, C'2026, made history as the 42nd Miss Spelman College, personifying the spirit of a new era that is taking shape at the College. Since her arrival at Spelman, the Atlanta native (who was born in St. Petersburg, Florida) has been a beacon of authenticity, embodying not just the institution but the culture of empowerment and individuality that characterizes a new generation of leaders.
From the very start of the Miss Spelman campaign season, Mills showed up as her most true self — unapologetically rocking her curls and keeping it real with her peers. Her playful and alluring personality shines through in every social media reel she shares. In many of her posts, she can be found joking around and laughing, giving commentary on life in the Atlanta University Center. Her social media persona is a true reflection of who she is — real, relatable and raw.
The junior theater and performance major is the owner of two businesses: Glamedbytay, which specializes in makeup artistry and customized clothing, and TNMSTUDIOS, a "creative space" for content creation, including spoken word pieces. She also recently launched a podcast called "Talks with Taylor," which features motivational talks with a comedic twist, often incorporating Bible scriptures and spoken word pieces.
From the first day she stepped onto the Spelman campus, Mills' classmates say her content immediately resonated with students, and her journey has only deepened her roots within the sisterhood of Spelman. Previous queens have paved the way, and Mills' reign feels like the dawn of a new era — one where the beauty of embracing your authentic self is celebrated with open arms. She is bringing a refreshing energy to the institution and, in doing so, she is reminding everyone that true beauty and power comes from the inside.
Mills has words of encouragement to her peers: "Be AUTHENTICITY YOU, stay true to yourself, and take control of your narrative. Own your story and walk boldly in your truth," she said. "Shout out to Chelsea Benton for creating her platforms T.R.U.E To Yourself and to Aziyah Harps for creating TAKING C.T.R.L. Together we will make choices to change the world in representation of our institution."
For the talent portion of the competition, Mills showcased her African dance skills with a high-powered, energetic expression that underscored her connection to her heritage. Her dance performance along with her drumming expertise struck a cord with many, eliciting a standing ovation and illustrating the strength and grace that she possesses as a leader.
But royalty is never a solo act — and the Miss Spelman court is just as powerful.
First Attendant Chelsea Benton, C'2027, a health sciences major, management and organization minor on the pre-med track, promoted her platform, "T.R.U.E to Yourself, With Heart and Composure." Her campaign, in collaboration with Jaguarlodeon, pushed forward authenticity, mental wellness and inner assurance.
From her Affirmation Station to her Self-Care Grab and Go, Benton reminded every Spelman sister that she’s not “top 2 but not 2” for nothing — she’s a force for good, for grace, and for progress. The Detroit Michigan native aspires to a physician. "My passions lie in women's health, and I look forward to becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist with a specialty in either maternal fetal medicine or reproductive endocrinology and infertility."
Second Attendant Aziyah Harps, C'2026, brings soul, light and insight to the court. Reflecting on her journey during SpelBound in spring 2022 and moving fast forward to the Spelman spotlight, Harps shared, “I wasn’t the loudest in the room. I wasn’t the most outgoing. In fact, I had no idea how I would even pay to attend Spelman. But I had the faith that this institution would change my life — and it did.” 
A first-generation college student and junior political science major on the pre-law track, Harps' platform — "CTRL: Creating The Reality You Love" — centers on fortitude and rewriting narratives. Her leadership is rooted in service, sincerity and the unwavering belief that Spelman is for all of us, including the quiet dreamers, the policy makers and the trailblazers. As a Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Scholar, Social Justice Fellow and WELS Scholar, Harps plans to pursue a career in a law. "I am deeply committed to advancing justice and equity through law and policy. My passion lies in addressing systemic racial inequalities and advocating for underrepresented communities," she shared.
"I aim to leverage my legal education and leadership experiences to build a career as a criminal defense attorney, focusing on empowering minority populations. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as White House Press Secretary, using my platform to address critical global issues with integrity and purpose."
Benton’s work in healthcare and her goal to become a physician dedicated to women's health is an extension of the objective to empower marginalized communities, furthering the importance of self-care and collective renewal. Similarly, Harps, with her commitment to criminal justice reform, public policy and advocacy, is a demonstration of Spelman’s tradition of producing influential women who stand for what is right. Their collaboration with Mills demonstrates a synergy that is bound to make waves, both on campus and in the broader community.
As the women begin their reign, they are more than just titleholders. They are forces to be reckoned with, reminding us all that leadership is about more than just appearance or status —it’s about being genuine, being true to yourself, and inspiring others to do the same. With the authenticity they bring collectively and the enduring mark they will continue to make, the 2025-2026 Spelman Court symbolizes the next chapter of leadership and sisterhood at Spelman College. The world is watching, and this new wave of queens is ready to show everyone what it means to live out leadership rooted in love, respect and realness.
Together, this court isn't just an embodiment of Spelman's best — they're a living testament to the power of the up and coming generation.